Jenna’s Wish for Breast Implants
Length: 1-3 Hours
Discipline: Psychology, Women’s Studies
Level: Intermediate (majors)
Author: Webber, Karen
Type: Problem
15-year old Jenna believes that breast implants are the secret to a successful future. She has asked, and her parents have agreed, to pay for implants as a gift for her 16th birthday. Should she have the implants? This problem examines whether students believe Jenna should proceed with the implants by discussing the advantages and disadvantages of breast implants (including the medical complications) reasons why women pursue cosmetic surgery, and how the thinking about increases in self-esteem are tied to women’s value as a beauty figure.